How To Tell Your Boss You’re Unhappy At Work Without Getting Fired

Deep breaths, bb. Deep breaths.

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Sep 10, 2019

If your Saturdays are turning into a nightmare about Sunday mornings, you may have Hating-My-Job-Is-Ruining-My-Life syndrome, and it’s beyond time to speak up. Here’s how to make your case without getting shown the exit.

1. Be suuuper specific

Make a list of every factor that bums you out, even the subpar office snacks. Then narrow it down to the most critical issues, like the ones you rant about in your group texts (hi, working overtime without extra pay!). That’s the stuff you’ll want to get into with your boss. (Also, bring your own freaking snacks.)

2. Never actually say “I’m miz”

Something so real: Demanding a fix will do you exactly zero favours. So instead of calling out your supervisor’s micromanaging, try something like: “I need your help with a challenge I’m having,” advises career coach Andrea Goeglein, PhD. The point is to make your boss *want* to help you problem-solve, not get defensive.

3. Bring ideas

Come armed with solutions, says consultant Steve McClatchy. If you wish “traveling for work” meant across state lines versus to and from lunch, find industry-relevant events to attend. Then tell her how this would help your team: “I can make connections that might bring in business.” Who’s the star now?

4. Nab some Cal time

Honestly, just the idea of sending a “Hey, can we chat???” email is enough to make you want to keep quiet altogether. The work-around: Ask if you can set up a monthly 20-minute check-in. Use the first one to bring up whatever’s bothering you and the rest for productive convos about your work.

Here are 6 red flags that mean it’s time to leave

1. Your role isn’t really the right fit for you.

2. Your boss isn’t on your side.

3. You low-key hate your co-workers.

4. There’s *actual* unfairness at your job.

5. You haven’t gotten a raise in forever – and feel like you deserve one.